15 minutes
10 minutes
Serves 6
Recipes » Spring Pasta Salad

Spring Pasta Salad

With fresh and lively flavours, this zesty pasta salad is a healthy and delicious way to enjoy the bounty of spring produce.
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Ingredients

  • 12 oz (340 g) Italpasta Vegetable Rotini
  • 1/2 lb lb (250 g) asparagus, trimmed and cut into 2-inch (5 cm) lengths
  • 1 cup (250 mL) fresh or frozen peas
  • 1/3 cup (75 mL) extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 tbsp (15 mL) freshly grated lemon zest
  • 1/4 cup (60 mL) freshly squeezed lemon juice
  • 1 tbsp (15 mL) Dijon mustard
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 tsp (2 mL) salt
  • 1/2 tsp (2mL) black pepper
  • 1 jat (340 mL) artichoke hearts, drained and chopped
  • 1/4 cup (60 mL) finely chopped fresh mint
  • 1/4 cup (60 mL) finely chopped fresh parsley

Instructions

  • In large saucepan of boiling salted water, cook rotini, stirring occasionally, for 9 to 11 minutes or until al dente, adding asparagus and peas in the last 2 minutes of cooking. Drain and rinse briefly under cold running water to stop the cooking process. Drain well and transfer to large bowl.
  • Meanwhile, whisk together olive oil, lemon zest, lemon juice, mustard, garlic, salt and pepper until combined.
  • Add dressing to bowl of rotini and veggies and toss to coat. Stir in artichoke hearts, mint and parsley.
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Tips

Toss in any leftover salad greens just before serving to clear out the fridge crisper. Baby arugula, spinach and kale work nicely with spring veggies.
During asparagus season, trim any woody ends from asparagus and freeze for using in a wonderful puréed asparagus soup. 
If using fresh peas, use leftover pods to make mint pea soup.
Buy potted herbs or plant herbs to start a window or outdoor garden, then you can harvest herbs as you need them, with zero waste.
If artichoke hearts are packed in brine or marinade, use that liquid to marinate or brine chicken for the grill, toss with veggies for an antipasto platter or stir into mayonnaise for sandwiches.
After zesting and juicing, reserve lemon to flavour roast chicken.

Nutritional Analysis

Calories: 360kcalCarbohydrates: 52gProtein: 10gFat: 13gSaturated Fat: 2gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 420mgFiber: 5gSugar: 5g